Criticisms of American Society; and the Goals she Hope to Achieve
Prudence Crandall disagreed with the fact that the African- American girls were not receiving the same education as the Caucasian girls. She felt that all races were equal, and that the rights to education should be no different. As an abolitionist; she sent up an idea to the Supreme Court, to figure out if free African- American’s were to be considered citizens, according to the Constitution. This case became quite controversial; and lead to many trials. If she succeeded, she could further work to achieve her goals of gaining educational rights for African- American girls; but if she was denied, she will have worked for a dream, that she would never see become accomplished.
Methods Used to Improve American Life
Prudence Crandall opened many doors to the every race of girl’s education. She started her improvements in 1831; when she established the Canterbury Female Boarding School. This school was privately run; and only accepted high schoolers. It began to become quite popular; and eventually girls from all over the country were applying. In 1832; a seventeen year old, by the name of Sarah Harris asked Crandall to be accepted. Sarah was going to use her education gained here to go and teach African- American children. Crandall agreed; knowing the consequences would be high.
In 1833, many of the Caucasian girls’ parents made their children drop after Sarah’s acceptance; Crandall closed the Boarding School. She then decides to go against all odds and open the first All African- American Female Academy, in Canterbury, Connecticut. This completely floored all the townspeople; and many decided to take action.
Successes in Reform
Prudence Crandall never gave up. All the townspeople turned against her. She spent the next few years accepting threats, violence and hard times; all for her hope that one day things would be equal. In promotion; she kept the All African- American Female Academy open for an astounding 18 months. In this Academy, were between 15 and 20 girls; all “young ladies and little misses of color”. She was strong enough to endure jail time, as well as death threats and mob attacks. Nothing was going to get in the way of this woman and her dreams of reform.
Practicality of Goals in Time Period
Prudence Crandall had little hope of ever achieving this goal during the early 1800’s. African- American’s had little to no rights; and she just completely decided to go against this idea, and take it on herself to fix it. She was basically one against the state of Connecticut; especially in trial. She was competing against the law put in place on May 24, 1833; otherwise known as the “Black Law”. It forbade anyone to setup or establish education to nonresident African- American’s; or to teach them without consent of locals. She resisted the law twice, and was sent to jail for 1 night, before being released on bail. This idea was pretty far out; and not quite the safest route to getting her way.
Ways President Could Assist Goals
President Andrew Jackson could assist this cause in a few key ways. First, I feel he needs to formally address the nation, and explain the freedoms of African- American citizens living in the United States. The Constitution hits on it; but many do not understand it. Secondly, he could abolish the violence towards the cause of African- American girls education; and promote peace. Crandall risked her life everyday for the people of color; and she was at risk often. I would say they need to get some military personal involved; as a safety barrier for her, and her students (as it poses a risk to the quality of her teachings). Lastly, I feel Jackson needs to give federal money to the education of all races. They need to promote interracial schooling, as well as a qualified instructional area. This includes books, desks, chairs and a place to write. These schools can be used for other functions; but they would increase educational quality in the students.
Fellow References: William Lloyd Garrison (1805-1879): This man was a monetary contributor to Prudence Crandall’s cause. He was also a strong abolitionist ; and fought strongly against slavery. As an author he created The Liberator, a newspaper about the issues of slavery, and inequality. Crandall, Garrison and other abolitionists brought the case to Supreme Court about what the Constitution meant when it discussed citizenship (were freed African- American’s citizens?). He was a strong supporter of Prudence; and helped her cause greatly. Arthur Tappan (1786-1865): This man was a monetary supporter of the African- American school that Prudence Crandall established in 1833. He gave a gift of $10,000, in hopes that this school would be able to continue; and promoted the use of ideas being passed through the papers. He allied himself with Garrison, and co-founded the American Anti- Slave Society. Through this and other acts; this man promoted the educational equality of African- American females.
1803- 1890
(1830's)
Criticisms of American Society; and the Goals she Hope to Achieve
Prudence Crandall disagreed with the fact that the African- American girls were not receiving the same education as the Caucasian girls. She felt that all races were equal, and that the rights to education should be no different. As an abolitionist; she sent up an idea to the Supreme Court, to figure out if free African- American’s were to be considered citizens, according to the Constitution. This case became quite controversial; and lead to many trials. If she succeeded, she could further work to achieve her goals of gaining educational rights for African- American girls; but if she was denied, she will have worked for a dream, that she would never see become accomplished.
Methods Used to Improve American Life
Prudence Crandall opened many doors to the every race of girl’s education. She started her improvements in 1831; when she established the Canterbury Female Boarding School. This school was privately run; and only accepted high schoolers. It began to become quite popular; and eventually girls from all over the country were applying. In 1832; a seventeen year old, by the name of Sarah Harris asked Crandall to be accepted. Sarah was going to use her education gained here to go and teach African- American children. Crandall agreed; knowing the consequences would be high.
In 1833, many of the Caucasian girls’ parents made their children drop after Sarah’s acceptance; Crandall closed the Boarding School. She then decides to go against all odds and open the first All African- American Female Academy, in Canterbury, Connecticut. This completely floored all the townspeople; and many decided to take action.
Successes in Reform
Prudence Crandall never gave up. All the townspeople turned against her. She spent the next few years accepting threats, violence and hard times; all for her hope that one day things would be equal. In promotion; she kept the All African- American Female Academy open for an astounding 18 months. In this Academy, were between 15 and 20 girls; all “young ladies and little misses of color”. She was strong enough to endure jail time, as well as death threats and mob attacks. Nothing was going to get in the way of this woman and her dreams of reform.
Practicality of Goals in Time Period
Prudence Crandall had little hope of ever achieving this goal during the early 1800’s. African- American’s had little to no rights; and she just completely decided to go against this idea, and take it on herself to fix it. She was basically one against the state of Connecticut; especially in trial. She was competing against the law put in place on May 24, 1833; otherwise known as the “Black Law”. It forbade anyone to setup or establish education to nonresident African- American’s; or to teach them without consent of locals. She resisted the law twice, and was sent to jail for 1 night, before being released on bail. This idea was pretty far out; and not quite the safest route to getting her way.
Ways President Could Assist Goals
President Andrew Jackson could assist this cause in a few key ways. First, I feel he needs to formally address the nation, and explain the freedoms of African- American citizens living in the United States. The Constitution hits on it; but many do not understand it. Secondly, he could abolish the violence towards the cause of African- American girls education; and promote peace. Crandall risked her life everyday for the people of color; and she was at risk often. I would say they need to get some military personal involved; as a safety barrier for her, and her students (as it poses a risk to the quality of her teachings). Lastly, I feel Jackson needs to give federal money to the education of all races. They need to promote interracial schooling, as well as a qualified instructional area. This includes books, desks, chairs and a place to write. These schools can be used for other functions; but they would increase educational quality in the students.
Fellow References:
William Lloyd Garrison (1805-1879): This man was a monetary contributor to Prudence Crandall’s cause. He was also a strong abolitionist ; and fought strongly against slavery. As an author he created The Liberator, a newspaper about the issues of slavery, and inequality. Crandall, Garrison and other abolitionists brought the case to Supreme Court about what the Constitution meant when it discussed citizenship (were freed African- American’s citizens?). He was a strong supporter of Prudence; and helped her cause greatly.
Arthur Tappan (1786-1865): This man was a monetary supporter of the African- American school that Prudence Crandall established in 1833. He gave a gift of $10,000, in hopes that this school would be able to continue; and promoted the use of ideas being passed through the papers. He allied himself with Garrison, and co-founded the American Anti- Slave Society. Through this and other acts; this man promoted the educational equality of African- American females.
Works Cited
"Arthur Tappan -." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Web. 06 Oct. 2009. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Tappan>.
"Connecticut State Heroine - Prudence Crandall." About Homeschool - Homeschooling Information and Homeschool Resources. Web. 05 Oct. 2009. <http://homeschooling.about.com/library/blctheroine.htm>.
Connecticut's Heritage Gateway. Web. 05 Oct. 2009. <http://www.ctheritage.org/biography/topical_slavery/crandall.htm>.
"Prudence Crandall -." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Web. 05 Oct. 2009. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prudence_Crandall>.
"Prudence Crandall." Ask.com Search Engine - Better Web Search. Web. 05 Oct. 2009. <http://www.ask.com/bar?q=prudence+crandall&page=1&qsrc=178&ab=7&u=http%3A%2F%2Fskyways.lib.ks.us%2Fhistory%2Fcrandall.html>.
Prudence Crandall. Digital image. Digital History. Web. 5 Oct. 2009. <http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/daybyday/daybyday.cfm?db=abolition>.
"Prudence Crandall." Teacherlink. Web. 5 Oct. 2009.
"Prudence Crandall." Women's biographies: Distinguished Women of Past and Present. Web. 05 Oct. 2009. <http://www.distinguishedwomen.com/biographies/crandall.html>.
"William Lloyd Garrison: Biography from Answers.com." Answers.com - Online Dictionary, Encyclopedia and much more. Web. 06 Oct. 2009. <http://www.answers.com/topic/william-lloyd-garrison>.